"media test failure, check cable" error after replacing hard drive

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shmu26

shmu26

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Feb 18, 2014
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dell latitude 3440
I cloned the HDD to a new SSD
I installed the SSD
I get the "media test failure, check cable" error message
boot options are set to legacy,
1st boot priority: hard drive

I took the SSD out again and connected it by sata to my desktop, as a second drive.
It appears in windows explorer (after assigning it a drive letter) and I can see it has all the folders and files typical of a windows installation. Looks fine.

then, I put the original HDD back into the laptop, and I still get the same error message.

Now I have the SSD back in, I put in all the screws and made sure everything is nice and tight, and still the same error message.

 
Solution
COLGeek
This error is usually associated with a disconnected or defective ethernet cable. However, if the system is set in the BIOS to boot from the Network and the cable is disconnected or defective, it will cause this error to occur. It could be that your system is not detecting the SSD/HDD and is trying to boot from the network.

Double-check that the storage device is firmly connected to the system.
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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This error is usually associated with a disconnected or defective ethernet cable. However, if the system is set in the BIOS to boot from the Network and the cable is disconnected or defective, it will cause this error to occur. It could be that your system is not detecting the SSD/HDD and is trying to boot from the network.

Double-check that the storage device is firmly connected to the system.
 
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shmu26

shmu26

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well, I surely don't have it set to boot from a network,. just from a local hard drive, which I inserted it into the slot as firmly as possible, and I did that a few times, so I don't know what to even try anymore
 
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COLGeek

COLGeek

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Many BIOSes will automatically try all boot options if the primary boot device isn't available. I suspect that is what your system is doing now. If you use an adapter to connected the SSD/HDD into the laptop ports, make sure it is properly attached to the SSD/HDD and firmly inserted into the motherboard socket.
 
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shmu26

shmu26

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"firmly inserted into the motherboard socket"
how do I check that on a dell latitude 3440?
I sort of wiggled the hard drive around before I figured out how exactly to remove it. It is supposed to slide out, but instead, I lifted the loose end in order to remove it. maybe that messed things up
maybe I disconnected it on the mobo end?
if so, how do I access the mobo connection, and how to fix the problem?
 
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shmu26

shmu26

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okay, I took the whole thing apart, but it basically was fruitless, because there is nothing to see on the mobo end.
the hard drive goes straight into the mobo, unlike a desktop, where you have a connecting sata cable that could potentially be unconnected.

today the dell service guy came (I have an onsite service warranty, because latitude is a business model)

after pointing out all the many mistakes and very sloppy work I did, he found the real problem: I improperly inserted the hard drive. I had slid it into the slot a little too low. It fit, and the screws went in fine, so I thought I got it right. but no. It was not inserted properly.

my cloned SSD then booted swiftly and without errors. And dell didn't charge me, even though I had opened up the computer very amateurishly and created the whole problem myself. they deserve credit for good service.
 
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